I have NEVER been a speedy runner…  In fact in my mid-twenties I quit running altogether, when I realized that no matter the age bracket I would never be fast enough to be competitive and actually place, much less win a race.

Now I look back on this poor attitude as a sad reason to give up a fun and social fitness activity.  I’m thankful that with age comes wisdom, and I’ve accepted my body’s natural slow pace.

While I’ll probably never win a race, starting AND finishing is still a great accomplishment!   And even though I know that I’m usually slower than everybody else, thanks to my Pilates and Foot Fitness training, I’m healthy, fit, injury-free, and still motivated and willing to get out there and work on getting faster!

I just read an article by Bob Cooper in Runner’s World, Speed Workouts to Gauge Fitness, and it’s well worth reading for those of you interested in working on improving your running speed and learning how using speed workouts can improve your fitness.

Whether your goal is to run a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon it’s nice to be able to actually see improvement in both your fitness level and your speed.  The recommended Go-To-Workouts in this article can give you some guidance to help you get to your goals.

Regardless of your age, current fitness level, or ability, if you’re willing to put forth the effort, eventually you’ll reap the rewards.

My long-term goal is to be able to run a consistent 10 minute mile-pace with ease. (At any and all distances, starting with a 5K…) I know to some of you avid runners out there even a 10 minute/mile pace seems ridiculously slow.  But when I reach my goal I’ll be whacking 5-6 minutes a mile off my normal pace!  I hope this is encouragement for those of you out there who might feel embarrassed to get out and run.  We all have to start someplace.  Start where you are today, maybe speed isn’t the most important thing for you, yet, but when you’re ready to turn it up a notch follow a plan for speed workouts to safely get stronger, faster, and fitter.

What’s your personal running goal for distance, speed, and fitness?